Top 10 chainsaw troubleshooting tips for DIY repairs

Chainsaws take on the heavy lifting around your yard and beyond, and it’s important to keep them running their best. When your chainsaw starts acting up, you can usually sort out most problems yourself with a bit of know-how. This guide explores common chainsaw issues and offers practical solutions you can try at home. Keep your chainsaw humming and see which fixes you can handle without a hassle.

The advice here might not exactly match your specific chainsaw model. We aim to provide helpful tips for all kinds of DIY repairs, but different models and setups can mean variations in troubleshooting, error codes, part replacements, and so on. For the most precise guidance, it’s a good idea to check the manufacturer’s info for your particular model or contact us if you’ve got any questions.

1. The chainsaw won’t start

It’s a real headache when your chainsaw just won’t fire up, especially when yard work is waiting. Usually, the culprit is something to do with fuel, spark, or compression. You’ll need to figure out which part is causing trouble. Start by making sure you’ve got fresh fuel, old or bad gas can keep the engine from starting. Also, check the spark plug for wear or damage since a weak spark means no ignition happening.

1. Double-check you’re using the right fuel mixture as the manufacturer recommends. If the fuel’s been sitting for over a month, toss it and fill up with fresh gas.
2. Make sure the choke is set according to the startup procedure in your manual.
3. Take a peek at the air filter. A clogged filter chokes off airflow and stops the engine from starting. Clean it or swap it out if needed.
4. Examine the spark plug by pulling off the plug wire and unscrewing the plug with a spark plug socket. If it looks dirty or cracked, it’s time for a new one.

2. The chain won’t rotate

If your engine’s revving but the chain isn’t moving, there’s likely an issue with the chain brake, chain tension, or the clutch. You’ll want to give these areas a good once-over. Sometimes debris gets stuck and keeps the chain brake engaged. An overly tight chain can also prevent rotation. Plus, a worn or busted clutch can stop power from reaching the chain. Luckily, these are fixes you can handle yourself.

1. Engage and release the chain brake a few times to see if it’s working properly. Clear out any dirt or sawdust that’s gumming up the brake parts.
2. Check the chain tension. If it’s cranked too tight, loosen the tensioning screw, realign the chain on the guide bar, and retighten just enough so it’s secure but not binding.
3. Look over the clutch drum and springs for wear or damage. Swap out any bad parts if needed.

If you’re hunting for a specific part for your chainsaw, make sure you have your model number handy. Swing by our guide on how to find your appliance’s model number.

3. The chain cuts poorly or unevenly

A dull or damaged chain is usually why your saw isn’t cutting like it should. You might also be dealing with incorrect tension, uneven chain height, or not enough bar oil. The chain’s teeth need to be sharp, when they get dull, your saw works harder, and cuts can be slow or crooked. Not enough bar oil can also wear down the chain and guide bar faster.

1. Check the chain’s teeth for dullness or damage. Sharpen them up or replace the chain if you notice significant issues.
2. Make sure the chain tension is set correctly. If it’s too loose, it can wander and cut unevenly; too tight, and it might jam.
3. Look at the bar oil reservoir. Top it off if needed and make sure the oil passages aren’t clogged with debris.
4. Clean out the groove in the guide bar and replace the bar if it’s really worn out or bent. A damaged bar can lead to uneven cuts.

4. The engine floods

An engine floods when too much fuel gets into the cylinder, often because the choke stays on too long or the carburetor lets in excess fuel. This leads to endless pulling on the cord with no start in sight. You can fix this by clearing out the extra fuel and making sure the carburetor and choke are functioning properly. Be careful with this process to avoid any fire hazards. Always check for leaks and store fuel in proper containers.

1. Turn off the choke to stop more fuel from flowing in.
2. Remove the spark plug. Dry it off and let the cylinder air out for a few minutes.
3. If you think the carburetor is running too rich, adjust the screws according to your chainsaw’s manual. Small tweaks can help control the fuel mixture at idle and high speed.
4. Put the spark plug back in, open the throttle, and try starting it again with minimal choke.

5. The chainsaw lacks power under load

If your chainsaw starts fine but bogs down when cutting, it might have restricted air supply, a worn spark plug, or a clogged fuel filter. When the saw suddenly loses power, it’s not getting the right mix of fuel and air. Check these areas to get proper airflow and fuel flow back on track.

1. Inspect the air filter for dirt or sawdust buildup. Knock out any debris and clean the filter if it’s reusable. Replace it if it’s torn or super dirty.
2. Look at the spark plug gap and condition. If it’s covered in carbon, swap it out for a new one.
3. Remove the fuel filter from the tank (if you can get to it) and check for clogs. A blocked filter chokes fuel flow and cuts power.
4. Note the factory settings of your carburetor’s mixture screws. If you notice the engine running lean or rich when accelerating, adjust slightly as needed.
5. Remember, high altitudes or extreme temperatures can also affect performance. In those cases, slight adjustments to the fuel mixture can help keep things running smoothly.

6. The chain brake remains stuck

The chain brake is a safety feature that kicks in during kickback or if the front handguard gets pushed forward. If it stays engaged, the chain won’t move. Usually, dirt or sawdust stuck in the brake mechanism is the issue. A worn or damaged brake band can also be the culprit. Getting the brake working properly again is key for safe operation.

1. Engage the brake by pushing the front handguard forward, then disengage it by pulling it back. Watch for any jammed parts or stuck springs.
2. Take off the side cover that holds the brake assembly. Carefully clean out any sawdust and wood chips messing things up.
3. Check the brake band for cracks or wear. If it looks bent out of shape, replace it.
4. Put the chainsaw back together, test the brake by engaging and disengaging it, and make sure everything moves smoothly.
5. Never use a chainsaw with a faulty brake. Regular cleaning and upkeep keep this vital safety feature in top condition.

7. The recoil starter doesn’t retract

If pulling the starter rope doesn’t retract, you won’t be able to start the chainsaw properly. A broken recoil spring or worn pulley might be causing the problem. Dirt and sawdust in the recoil housing can also mess things up. It’s a simpler fix than you might think and only needs basic tools.

1. Remove the recoil housing. Look inside for any debris that’s blocking movement.
2. Check the rope and pulley for wear or damage. Replace any parts that look frayed or cracked.
3. Inspect the recoil spring. If it’s broken or misshapen, install a new one following your chainsaw’s manual.
4. Put the housing back together and carefully wind the rope onto the pulley. Test the rope before putting the whole assembly back on.
5. Use steady, controlled movements when working with recoil parts to avoid injury or accidentally damaging the spring mechanism.

8. The chainsaw overheats

Overheating happens if the chainsaw isn’t getting proper lubrication or if airflow around the engine is limited. Too much heat can wear out internal parts faster and even damage the engine. If you notice extra smoke or the saw feels hotter than usual, it’s time to check on cooling and lubrication.

1. First, check the bar and chain oil levels. Lubrication is key for cutting down friction.
2. Clean out the air intake and cooling fins. Built-up sawdust can block airflow and cause overheating.
3. Make sure the chain is tensioned and sharpened properly. A dull chain makes the motor work harder, which generates more heat.
4. Keep an eye on the carburetor settings. Sometimes a lean fuel mixture runs hotter than it should. Adjust the settings slightly if needed.
5. Take breaks during long cutting sessions to let the chainsaw cool down, especially on hot days or when cutting tough wood.

9. The chainsaw vibrates excessively

Chainsaws naturally vibrate, but too much vibration can wear you out and make handling tricky. Misaligned parts, worn mounts, or damaged chains can cause extra shaking. You’ll want to fix these issues for both comfort and safety. High vibration also affects cutting accuracy and can wear out other parts faster.

1. Look over the chain for any bent or broken links. Replace it if you find any problems.
2. Check the guide bar for bends or damage. A warped bar can cause uneven chain movement and more vibration.
3. Examine the anti-vibration mounts or dampeners on your chainsaw. These parts, usually rubber or springs, reduce vibration from the engine to the handles. Swap them out if they’re worn or cracked.
4. Ensure that the chain tension is consistent along the guide bar. Uneven tension can lead to vibrations and even cause the chain to derail.

10. The chainsaw leaks fuel or oil

Leaking fuel or oil is dangerous and usually means seals, hoses, or gaskets are worn or damaged. If you see puddles under your chainsaw, you’ll want to find and fix the leak before your next job. In many chainsaws, the fuel and oil lines are rubber or plastic hoses that can crack or harden over time. Replacing them is straightforward once you locate the problem.

1. Figure out what kind of fluid is leaking. Fuel smells like gasoline, while bar oil is thicker and slick.
2. Inspect hoses and connections for cracks or splits.
3. Replace any bad hoses with tubing of the right diameter as recommended in your chainsaw’s manual. Secure them with proper clamps if necessary.
4. Check the primer bulb and carburetor gaskets. A cracked primer bulb or faulty gasket can cause fuel leaks.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! If you need replacement parts, grab your model number and head to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need help finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see our latest repair guides!